Which River Is Called the ‘Ganga of Italy’?

As the Ganga River is often regarded as the lifeline of India because it holds the valuable importance to agriculture, culture and civilization. Interestingly, Italy has a river that is often compared to the Ganga for playing the similar kind of role in the country’s economy and daily life. The river name is Po River and it is the Italy’s longest river and it is popularly known as the “Ganga of Italy.” It is flowing across northern Italy and supports the millions of people, irrigates fertile farmlands, powers industries and shaped the country’s history for centuries.

Which River Is Called the Ganga of Italy?

The Po River is widely known as the “Ganga of Italy.”

It is approximately 652 kilometres (405 miles) in length and it is the longest river entirely within Italy. It flows through the country’s most productive agricultural and industrial region and making it as one of the Europe’s most important rivers.

Because of the its economic, historical, and cultural significance, the Po River is often compared to the India’s river of Ganga.

Origin and Course of the Po River

The Po River originates in the Cottian Alps near to the Monte Viso and it is close to the border between Italy and France.

It begins as a small mountain stream which is fed by snowmelt and it gradually grows into a mighty river as it flows eastward across the northern Italy.

Eventually, it empties into the Adriatic Sea and forms the vast and ecologically rich river delta south of Venice.

Quick Facts

• River: Po River
• Length: Approximately 652 km
• Source of river: Monte Viso, Cottian Alps
• Mouth: Adriatic Sea
• Country: Italy

Why Is the Po River So Important?

The Po River is often described as the lifeline of the northern Italy because it supports the nearly every aspect of the region’s economy.

Supports Millions of People

The Po River basin is home to approximately 16 to 17 million people which is nearly one-third of the Italy’s population.

Many of Italy’s major cities developed along the its banks because of the availability of water, fertile land and transportation routes.

Powers Italian Agriculture

The fertile Po Valley (Pianura Padana) is the Italy’s largest agricultural region.

The river provides irrigation for the,

• Rice
• Wheat
• Maize (Corn)
• Vegetables
• Fruits

Around 70% of the river’s water is used for the agriculture and making it as indispensable for Italian food production.

Industry’s Engine

Northern Italy is also one of the Europe’s leading industrial regions.

Cities such as the Turin, Piacenza, Cremona, and Ferrara rely on the Po River for the industrial activities, transportation, and water supply.

Why Is the Po River Called the Ganga of Italy?

The comparison between the Po River and the Ganga is based on their similar importance rather than just the religious significance.

1. Longest River in the Country

Just as the Ganga is India’s most significant river system, so river Po is the longest river flowing entirely within the Italy.

2. Agricultural Lifeline

The Ganga basin supports the millions of farmers across northern India.

Similarly, the Po Valley produces the substantial share of Italy’s agricultural output and makes the river vital for food security.

3. Historical and Cultural Importance

For many centuries, the Po River has featured prominently in the Italian history, literature and regional identity.

Ancient Roman writers and historians regarded it as one of the Italy’s greatest rivers, much like the reverence associated with the Ganga in India.

Po River vs Ganga River

Feature	Po River (Italy)	Ganga River (India)
Length	Approximately 652 km	Approximately 2,525 km (within India)
Source	Monte Viso, Cottian Alps	Gangotri Glacier, Himalayas
Mouth	Adriatic Sea	Bay of Bengal
Importance	Italy’s agricultural and industrial lifeline	India’s cultural, agricultural, and economic lifeline
Main Crops	Rice, wheat, maize	Rice, wheat, sugarcane
Major Cities	Turin, Piacenza, Cremona, Ferrara	Haridwar, Varanasi, Patna, Kolkata

Major Tributaries of the Po River

The Po River is fed by around more than 140 tributaries and making it as the Italy’s largest river basin.

Some of its important tributaries includes the river like,

• Dora Baltea
• Ticino
• Adda
• Oglio
• Mincio
• Tanaro

These tributaries contributes to the river’s extensive irrigation network and water resources.